Chapter 105: You’re Really Blowing Your Own Trumpet
Su He kept her calculations to herself, keeping a calm expression as she casually joked around with Zhao Lili and the others.
Cao Hongmei, however, was feeling a bit tempted.
Little He was already eighteen—definitely of age to start dating.
That Zhao Bin she introduced last time turned out to be a total loser. But if this new male teacher was decent, maybe she could help match them up.
The next day, when Cao Hongmei went to deliver vegetables to Old Madam Su, she brought it up.
Old Madam Su scoffed, “You can keep your kind intentions to yourself! With your eyesight, how could you possibly pick a good man for my precious granddaughter?
Besides, my darling girl is bound for the capital one day. A measly night school teacher doesn’t deserve her!
And don’t say I’m being picky. Honestly, there’s no one in the entire An County good enough for her!
If this were ancient times, maybe a top scholar—barely—could be considered as her match…”
Cao Hongmei: …Wow, you’re really blowing your own trumpet!
Still, she had to admit the old woman had a point. Better not mess up a good thing with misplaced matchmaking.
Little He was a smart girl—she’d surely sort out her love life just fine on her own.
Old Madam Su went on bragging and then gave Cao Hongmei a good scolding, the main message being: If you want a good life, listen to my precious granddaughter. Don’t go making decisions on your own.
Cao Hongmei left the house deflated and ashamed.
As soon as she stepped out, Old Madam Su lifted her chin smugly at Old Madam Zhao. “Well? Aren’t I more impressive as a mother-in-law than you?
I heard that Li Jinping yells at you all the time, and her mother’s even worse—always causing trouble at your place. That only works because you’re such a pushover!
If it were me, I would’ve tamed them ages ago!”
Old Madam Zhao felt sour—her daughter-in-law really was a handful.
If Old Madam Su had stopped there, Old Madam Zhao might’ve let it go. After all, the old woman wasn’t wrong.
But once she started ranting, she couldn’t stop—and every word felt like a dagger to Old Madam Zhao’s heart!
“Our Su family is doing better every day, and it’s all thanks to me! I’m a genius at managing the household!
Look at other families—their girls have to work the fields for labor points. Mine? I made sure both of them got to stay in school, only doing some housework here and there.
You, on the other hand, let your eldest daughter-in-law work like a mule back when she was a girl. Honestly, treating a girl like a beast of burden…”
Old Madam Zhao couldn’t take it anymore. “If you’re so great, why did your daughter Yufen get divorced?”
Old Madam Su, mid-rant, choked on her words.
She pointed at Old Madam Zhao, outraged. “You crybaby! Always bringing up the stuff no one wants to talk about!
So what if Yufen got divorced? My Su He said this is a new era—people are free to marry or not!
That brat Lü Xingwang abused my daughter—of course she left him! You think she should’ve stayed and waited to celebrate New Year with him?!
And you dare come at me? Your daughter-in-law ran off too, didn’t she?!
Word is, she even took your family’s money! If it weren’t for my Su He, you wouldn’t even have a grandson left!
My daughter is different—she brought back her kid and got two hundred yuan in the divorce!
Besides, my daughter is gorgeous, our Su family is thriving, and before long, matchmakers will be lining up at our door! No need to worry about her getting married!
Old Zhao woman, just admit it—I’m better than you in every way. Stop throwing tantrums in front of me!”
Old Madam Zhao fell silent for a long while. Then she said calmly, “Well, there’s one thing I’ve got over you—I have a good son-in-law.”
Old Madam Su sneered, “Good son-in-law? Yours isn’t that great either—”
She suddenly stopped, realizing her eldest son was Old Madam Zhao’s son-in-law.
She glared at Old Madam Zhao but said nothing more. After all, she couldn’t start badmouthing her own son just to win an argument.
Meanwhile, Su He was already on the phone with Director Wu of Qiping Commune.
Once the call connected, she spoke briskly, “Hello, Director Wu. I’m Su He, president of the county night school’s student council.
I’m calling to invite you to attend our night school’s performance on June 20th.
Since the event will be quite crowded, we’re planning seating in advance. I’d like to ask whether you’d prefer to sit behind the county leadership, or behind the heads of the various factories?”
Director Wu had been ready to decline the moment he heard “performance.” He was a busy man, no time to watch shows!
But the moment Su He mentioned that the county leaders and factory heads would be attending, he swallowed his rejection.
What—he’d be the only one not going? That would look bad!
He thought, This Su He girl really knows how to talk. She casually slipped in the info about the leadership’s attendance, so I wouldn’t feel embarrassed later for turning it down.
Wait a second—Su He?
That name sounded familiar…
Right! The Huaihua Commune had recently been working with the county’s textile and machinery factories. Word was, a girl named Su He made the connections.
He asked, “Little Su, are you the liaison from Huaihua Commune?”
Su He smiled slightly. “Director Wu, you know me?”
Director Wu chuckled. “Of course I do! All the communes know your name by now—you’re the capable one from Huaihua!
And now you’re student council president too? Very impressive, young lady!”
“Director Wu, you’re too kind! You’re the real talent.
Qiping Commune is the richest in the county. Everyone praises your leadership! Director Tang often mentions you—he says you’re a hardworking, no-nonsense cadre who really delivers results.”
Director Wu was surprised. “You mean Director Tang—Tang Wanjun? You know him?”
Su He said, “We’ve met a few times. He speaks very highly of you. If I get the chance, I’d love to learn more from you.”
Director Wu felt himself swell with pride. Tang Wanjun was a tough guy—not one to hand out compliments easily. If even he had nice things to say, then Su He really must be well-connected.
He laughed, “You’ve got a way with words! Let’s learn from each other! Tell Principal Chen I’ll definitely be there!”
Su He hesitated slightly. “Director Wu, there’s something I feel I should mention.
All the major factories have donated supplies to the night school. I was thinking of recommending that Director Luo from Huaihua Commune do the same—many of our commune members have attended the literacy classes.
Also, Principal Chen will be reading out the donor list at the end of the performance.
I probably shouldn’t say more, but since we’re kind of acquaintances now, I thought it best to give you a heads-up.”
Director Wu immediately felt Su He was thoughtful and considerate. If she hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have thought of it—and would’ve ended up caught off guard.
He didn’t suspect her of trying to trick him into donating—after all, he trusted that Principal Chen wouldn’t go around begging for supplies. The factories must’ve donated voluntarily.
What he didn’t know was—Principal Chen wasn’t the same person he used to be!
Right now, the old man was crying poor in front of the county leadership, even yanking out the last few strands of his remaining hair…
